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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Sunday, February 8, 2004 ON STAFF |
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Frontline Devotion for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, by Penny Risen
Bible text:
Acts 18: 1-22
Have you ever been in the hospital, sicker than you've ever been in your life? You lie there in bed and are attended by a seemingly endless parade of dedicated nurses, specialists, doctors, therapists, orderlies and probably many more highly trained, specialized folks than you've ever imagined.
"Hi, I'm Beth. I'll here to change your IV ..."
"Good morning, I'm Hank. Can I help you get down to therapy today?"
"This is Margaret at the desk. You beeped ... I'm here if you need
something ..."
YOU are their job. For that instant or during that visit to your bedside, you are their primary concern. They're on staff for you: Getting you better, making you comfortable, helping you mend to go home.
If you've found yourself in this situation as a patient, you probably seldom learned their names, or at least their identities rolled past you in a blur. But when you are healed, you're very happy they were there for you.
Paul, Timothy, Silas, Titius Justus, Crispus, Priscilla, Acquila, Lydia ... these poetic and ancient names in Acts can roll past you without much impact too. They are "on staff" in the stories of courage, preaching, praying and witnessing for Jesus Christ, who was newly claimed as their Messiah. It's easy to think of them as only names, without distinct personalities or backgrounds. They come and go, interacting, moving in the drama among other early Christians.
But just like those who are assigned by a hospital to you as a patient, these folks are assigned by God to you. They are serving you from across the centuries as ministers: Healers willingly giving their time, telling their stories of faith and sacrificing much of what they had for you.
Why? Because we all are part of a sin sick world that needs God's grace and Jesus' sacrifice to save us and to heal us. After His ministry on earth, Jesus knew that countless servants would be needed to be on staff and to work to spread the Good News of salvation.
These servants weren't in it alone. Paul was encouraged daily by his fellow apostles and new followers in places like Corinth, the site of today's lesson. Wherever he traveled, he felt that the Holy Spirit was leading him. Paul was making progress in his preaching, healing those sick with sin and baptizing new believers.
In Verse 9, Paul also was encouraged by God: "One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.' " His devotion to the cause renewed, Paul stayed a year and a half in Corinth, teaching the Word of God among the Jews, Greeks and Gentiles.
It's hard to find that kind of strength when we feel sick with sin, are struggling with our own demons, or are desperate for someone dear to be helped or healed. We say to ourselves, wouldn't it be remarkable to be like Paul and be touched by the Holy Spirit with new hope? We need to be told, "Yes, things are going to be OK. You don't have to be afraid."
You may not know their names or even recognize their deeds directed to help you everyday, but God does send a huge staff to care for and minister to you. They are reaching out with strength and hope to you from Scripture, your family, your church, your friends and people who you'll never have a chance to pin a name on. But when you are healed, you'll be very happy they were there for you.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for looking after me in this sin sick world. Help me to make others aware of your healing and loving hand. Remind me to be on staff for those who might need my help and encouragement. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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